A complaint from a patron about bug bites led to the discovery Tuesday that the South Orange Public Library had a bed bug infestation. The library has been closed since then for examination and extermination by licensed professionals. A reopening date is not yet determined.
However, the intrepid staff has made sure that patrons will not go entirely without library services at this time: employees will operate a kiosk at the back door on Thursday, June 30 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4-7 p.m..
“We encourage everyone to drop by,” said library director Melissa Kopecky. “There will be laptops, books and other materials to check out, friendly staff, and summer reading. Readers can join the program and/or collect prizes and enter prize drawings – thanks to Friends of South Orange Public Library and local businesses.”
Kopecky continued, “We thank the Village for their partnership in working efficiently and professional on rectifying the issue in the building and will provide updates as available. We can’t wait to be back to offering the full services that we take joy in offering at our community library.”
A bonus for anyone who comes by – you can check out the progress on the Connett Memorial Library roof.
After an inspection on Tuesday, exterminators confirmed the presence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) in some of the upholstered furniture at the library. As a precautionary measure, the Library closed early Tuesday and remained closed Wednesday for treatment.
Check the South Orange website and Village Green for updates and possible additional closure dates.
For additional information on bed bugs, please see the U.S. Government Center for Disease Control Bed Bugs FAQs at the link at the end of this notice.
As stated in the CDC document:
“Do bed bugs spread disease?
Bed bugs should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.
What health risks do bed bugs pose?
A bed bug bite affects each person differently. Bite responses can range from an absence of any physical signs of the bite, to a small bite mark, to a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention.”
The Village apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the Library closure and is diligently working to have the situation remediated by licensed professionals as soon as possible.
